Friends With Money #274: Card surcharge changes

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From October, card surcharges will become a thing of the past.

But while the change promises savings for cardholders, it could have ripple effects beyond the checkout.

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Adele Eliseo, founder of The Champagne Mile, to explain what's changing, who's likely to benefit and why credit cardholders need to pay close attention.

Graphic previewing the Friends With Money podcast episode on credit card surcharge changes

Episode timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:34 What happens to card surcharges from October?

03:42 Why are card surcharges being banned?

04:40 How much are consumers likely to save?

05:32 The impact on rewards credit cards

07:03 How banks are already changing rewards programs

08:27 What rewards card holders should do now

10:10 Conclusion

Friends With Money podcast FAQ

What is the Friends With Money podcast?

Friends With Money is a weekly personal finance podcast by Money magazine, offering expert insights on investing, budgeting, superannuation, property, and other money strategies for everyday Australians.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube (with closed captions available).

Who hosts Friends With Money?

Episodes are hosted by Vanessa Walker and Tom Watson from Money magazine, featuring expert guests and real conversations about money.

Is the podcast suitable for beginners?

Yes! It's designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for seasoned investors.

What topics does the podcast cover?

The Friends With Money podcast covers topics including banking, property, budgeting, superannuation, investing, saving, insurance, employment, travel and more.

How often are new episodes released?

New episodes are released weekly, so you can stay up to date with the latest financial tips and trends.

Can I watch episodes with captions?

Yes, full episodes with closed captions are available on YouTube.

Why subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast?

Boost your financial literacy anytime, anywhere with the Friends With Money podcast from Money magazine. Whether you're commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, this weekly podcast makes it easy to grow your money knowledge on the go.

Each episode dives into real conversations about money - how it's earned, shared, saved, and grown - with tips and insights that make finance simple and relatable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, it's your go-to guide for building better financial habits.

Subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast today and start learning when it suits you.

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Tom Watson is a senior journalist at Money magazine, which won three awards at the 2026 Mumbrella Publish Awards, and one of the hosts of the Friends With Money podcast. He's previously worked as a journalist covering everything from property and consumer banking to financial technology. Tom has a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Connect with Tom Watson on LinkedIn.

Adele Eliseo is a frequent flyer expert and founder of The Champagne Mile. As one of Australia's leading voices on airline loyalty programs, she shares expert insights and practical strategies to help Australians maximise points and travel rewards. Connect with Adele Eliseo on LinkedIn.